- Chevrolet Series 490
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Chevrolet Series 490 Manufacturer Chevrolet Motor Car Company (pre GM)
Chevrolet Division, GMPredecessor Chevrolet Series H
Chevrolet Series LSuccessor Chevrolet Series AA Capitol Class mid-size Body style H2 2-door roadster
H3 2-door special roadster
H4 4-door touring
chassy "cowl" truck added (1918)Layout FR layout Engine 171 in3, 26 hp (19 kW)(1916), I4 Transmission Selective-sliding 3-speed cone clutch[1][2] Wheelbase 102 in (2,591 mm)[3] The Chevrolet Series 490 is a Brass Era American automobile, made from 1915 to 1922. The 1915 introduction of the $490[4], Chevrolet 490 was an immediate success and established the brand as a big player. The name would not denote the price for long(in 1921, the average price was $820[5]), but it would stay low enough to take a chunk out of the Model T market. The Model T started at $495 at the time. Chevrolet was soon so profitable that Billy Durant began buying shares of GM stock with his Chevrolet stock. Electric horns where standard[6]. And by 1921, standard equipment included a speedometer, and ammeter, dome lights(closed-body cars only), and headlight dimmers[7].
Contents
OHV Engine
The 490 was only offered with the Overhead Valve 171-cubic-inch (2.8 L) four cylinder. This would be Chevrolet's main engine until the "Stovebolt" straight six replaced it for 1929.
The First Chevy Trucks
The same year Chevrolet merged with GM, Durant wanted a pickup to compete with the new Ford Model TT. The answer was two models, the first 1918 Chevrolet Series 490 Light Delivery chassis cowl rated at half a ton and based on the auto. The second, not based on the 490, was a one-ton 1918 Chevrolet Model T (oddly enough) "Ton Truck". It had a payload capacity rating of 2,000 lbs and sold for $1245 retail. Much like the chassis cab of today, they gave consumers a cheap, flexible platform to build on. Its steering wheel and gear shift lever, along with the instrument panel and gauge cluster, were also lifted from the passenger car. A chassis cowl included the chassis with engine, transmission and the front sheet metal which comprised the hood, front fenders, headlights and grille.[8]
Production notes
Year Production Price Weight Notes HP 1915 $490 1916 70,701 $550–$750 1,820-2,500 lbs 26 1917 100,000th Chevrolet, Chevy takes over GM 26 1918 95,660 $660–$1,060 1,890-2,160 lbs chassy/"cowl" truck added 26 1919 149,833 (approx.) $715–$1,185 1,820-2,160 lbs 26 1920 150,226 (approx.) $795–$1,285 1,820-2,160 lbs 26 1921 76,370 (approx.) $795–$1,375 1,820-2,160 lbs 26 1922 243,479 (approx.) $510–$875 1,435-2,150 lbs 26 Total Related Cars
See also
References
- ^ Kimes, Beverly (1996). standard catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
- ^ http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1916_Chevrolet/1916_Chevrolet_490_Brochure/1916%20Chevrolet%20490-05.html
- ^ Kimes, Beverly (1996). standard catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
- ^ http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1916_Chevrolet/1916_Chevrolet_490_Brochure/1916%20Chevrolet%20490-02.html
- ^ http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1921_Chevrolet/1921_Chevrolet_Data_Sheets/1921%20Chevrolet-01.html
- ^ http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1916_Chevrolet/1916_Chevrolet_490_Brochure/1916%20Chevrolet%20490-02.html
- ^ http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Chevrolet/1921_Chevrolet/1921_Chevrolet_Data_Sheets/1921%20Chevrolet-02.html
- ^ HowStuffWorks
Categories:- Chevrolet vehicles
- Brass auto stubs
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